Payback (video game)

Infobox VG
title = Payback


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developer = Apex Designs
publisher = Apex Designs (Amiga)
DSI Games/Zoo Digital (GBA)
Freeverse (Mac)
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released = Amiga
vgrelease|EU=February 15, 2001

Macintosh
vgrelease|INT=January 2003

Game Boy Advance
vgrelease|INT=November 19, 2004
genre = Action
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ratings = vgratings|ESRB=Mature
platforms = Amiga, Game Boy Advance, Macintosh, GP2X
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requirements =
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"Payback" is a videogame by Apex Designs. It was originally one fan's project to make an Amiga clone of Grand Theft Auto. In the author's own words, "every effort has been made to ensure that Payback beats GTA in every way."

The game was eventually expanded into a commercial release, and in 2002 Apex Designs announced plans to bring it to Microsoft Windows, Macintosh, and the Game Boy Advance (GBA). The Mac version was speedily released, but there is still no word on the Windows version's released date. A version for the GP2X handheld has since been released.

Interestingly, despite the game being a clone of GTA, even copying car names such as the "Mundaneo", Rockstar has made no attempt to stop Apex Designs from publishing this game, or warn them about infringing on their copyrighted materials.

The GBA version was also finished, but Apex Designs couldn't initially find a publisher. After numerous failed attempts to get it published, it was not until late 2004 that DSI Games finally picked up the game.

The game features a full 3D game engine with area-of-effect explosions and complex car handling. Skid marks can be seen clearly, and vehicles smoke when heavily damaged. The intro is converted from an AVI movie, and is one of the most complicated examples of GBA movie footage outside of the Game Boy Advance Video releases. The game is considered a benchmark of the GBA's capabilities, and few games before it had featured such a complex 3D engine.

It features eleven cities in the Game Boy Advance version.

Gameplay

The game is virtually identical to the original GTA, except for the new camera angle and more weapons. The player now has control over grenades.

The game also supports four-player multiplayer deathmatch.

Additional content

The Amiga version allowed fans to make their own deathmatch maps (see the link below). These cannot be added into the GBA version, but a slightly modified 'Isla Nublar' map is featured as an unlockable bonus.

External links

* [http://www.apex-designs.net/payback.html Payback official site]
* [http://www.apex-designs.net/payback_maps.html Custom map downloads] (Mac and Amiga only)